ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the overall developmental stages of traditional Chinese materia medica patent technology in China and abroad and the causes of the differences. Methods In this study, the Shanghai Intellectual Property Information Platform, Thomson Innovation, Derwent Innovations Index were utilized and graphic illustration method for patent technology life cycles was used to determine the overall developmental stages of traditional Chinese materia medica patent technology in China and abroad. Results The numbers of applications for patent traditional Chinese materia medica and their applicants were obtained. With information of the two parameters, the text made a preliminary prediction of overall trend for the number of applications. Conclusion The patent technology of traditional Chinese materia medica progressed into developing stages in China and appeared the feature of mature or recession stage abroad.